Strategic Test World acquisition

Back in June of this year, Millbrook Proving Ground announced details of its collaborative partnership with winter test facility and tire test specialist Test World. Taking that a step further, it recently signed a contract to acquire the Finland-based business, which will greatly expand the UK proving ground’s test capabilities.

“The Test World acquisition is very exciting. I was out there just last week!” enthuses Burns during an exclusive interview with Tire Technology International. “We were looking for opportunities where we could expand the range of services that we offer and we were also looking to expand our geographic base; at the moment we are quite UK centric.

“Having a whole new suite of services to offer is a big step forward for the business. Test World will allow us to look at not only winter testing, but particularly tire testing. They are the global market leaders.”

The two companies will continue to provide completely impartial test results for customers and consumers alike. Test World’s existing management will remain with the business and operations will continue as normal.

“For Test World, being part of a larger group is quite important because it will enable more money to be put into the business,” Burns said. “We have just appointed a new deputy MD there, so we’re investing in the management team, and we’re also looking at options to build an asphalt track there. And we have installed a bigger sales team to help stimulate future business, especially from the UK market, which we understand well.”

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Rachel's career in journalism began around five years ago when she started working for UKi Media & Events, having recently graduated from Coventry University where she studied the subject. Her favourite aspect of the job is interviewing industry experts, including researchers, scientists, engineers and technicians, and learning more about the ground-breaking technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of the automotive and tire industries.